UL 8801:2021

$56.55

Outline of Investigation for Photovoltaic (PV) Luminaire Systems

Published By	Publication Date	Number of Pages
UL	2021-10-01	25

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Category: UL

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Description

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements apply to low voltage luminaire systems whose electrical power is derived from photovoltaic modules. They include, at a minimum, a photovoltaic (PV) module, storage batteries, one or more co-located luminaires, and controls to manage the energy flow between these subassemblies. They are intended to be installed in accordance with 1) the CE Code, CSA C22.1-18, Section 64 (Renewable Energy Systems) and 2) NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC), Article 710 as a stand-alone system.

Informational Note: Per CE Code 64-000 Scope (1), renewable energy systems operating within the class 2 limits of 16-200(1)(a) and (1)(b) are exempt from the requirements of Section 64.

1.2 These requirements do not address 1) the grid-interactive systems covered by CE Code Section 64 and NEC Article 705, 2) systems that include an inverter intended to supply line voltage luminaires or remote equipment, or 3) individual system subassemblies (PV modules, batteries, luminaires, or controls) that have not been evaluated as a PV luminaire system.

1.3 These PV luminaire systems can include means to connect to and receive energy from the utility grid or similar supplemental supply source; see Annex A, Systems with Supplementary Power Connections. Systems with this feature have additionally been evaluated for conformance to the relevant aspects of NEC Article 702, Optional Standby Systems.

1.4 These requirements apply to fixed-in-place assemblies, to portable assemblies that are intended to be easily relocated, and to assemblies intended for periodic user disassembly and storage. These requirements do not apply to handheld luminaires, such as a flashlight, or where light output is an auxiliary function of the handheld device (such as a smart phone).

1.5 These assemblies are intended for outdoor, exposed installations within a nominal ambient temperature range as marked per clause 3, but no less than -20 C to +40 C.

1.6 These systems may include controls and devices to optimize system performance (such as sensors, positioning motors, and communication devices). They may also include output ports for diagnostic purposes or to supply temporary power to portable devices. See Annex B.

1.7 These requirements address some of the mechanical infrastructure used to support or mount parts of the system. However, these requirements address only those features of these mechanical systems relative to risks of electric shock, fire, injury, and property damage. The supplemental requirements to fully evaluate the structural integrity of the mechanical infrastructure, including strength and stability of support poles under various environmental conditions such as wind or impact, and the assessment of soil or ground conditions necessary for system physical stability and reliability, are outside the scope of this document.

1.8 Except for components intended to connect to the utility for supplemental power in accordance with Annex A, these systems are expected to operate below 30 Vdc, the outdoor (wet location) class 2 voltage limits of CE Code Section 16-222(3)(b) and the National Electrical Code (NEC). As permitted by CE Code 13-1202(3) (Extra-Low Voltage Lighting Systems) and NEC 411, these systems do not require grounding other than where required by Annex A. All systems are permitted to use earth ground as a reference. Any system components carrying higher voltages will require supplemental safeguards (for example, grounding or double insulation) not fully addressed within these requirements.

1.9 These requirements do not consider the vibration and other environmental conditions that may occur for systems installed on watercraft, recreational vehicles, or other mobile platforms.

1.10 These requirements do not address the required performance for certain life safety-related applications, such as for emergency signaling or emergency/egress lighting. Additional requirements from those application-specific standards should be applied to ensure the required performance expectations can be achieved. These requirements also do not address any additional considerations that may be applicable to installation in Classified (Hazardous) Locations.

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